A small commune of scrappy, lost-boy-esque petty criminals, The Rats are a tight-knit group of urchins and outcasts scraping by in the shadowy corners of the village of Dunscaith. Led by the resourceful and charismatic Kimira, a catfolk woman with sharp instincts and an even sharper tongue, The Rats thrive on pilfering scraps, pulling off minor cons, and outwitting anyone who underestimates them. Kimira is assisted by her trusted lieutenant, Darius the Shade, a former thief with a knack for stealth and a mysterious past. Together, they guide and protect the urchins of Dunscaith, ensuring they survive the harsh realities of village life.
Survival: Above all, The Rats seek to survive by any means necessary. This includes securing food, shelter, and safety for the group.
Community: Despite their rough exteriors, The Rats have a strong sense of loyalty to one another, striving to create a semblance of family for the abandoned and forgotten.
Independence: The Rats value their autonomy and freedom, refusing to be tied down by the village's rules or the oversight of the wealthier townsfolk.
The Rats began as a loose collection of orphans and drifters who banded together for mutual survival. Kimira, once a wandering outcast herself, stumbled upon the struggling children of Dunscaith and decided to stay, bringing her cunning and leadership to the group. Darius, a man with a murky past in a big city's underworld, joined after Kimira saved him from a local guard patrol. Together, they formalized The Rats, establishing their territory in the abandoned sections of town. Over time, they gained a reputation as cunning, if mischievous, protectors of Dunscaith's forgotten youth.
Guiding Principles
Look out for each other: Every Rat has a role in the group's survival, and loyalty to one another is paramount.
Steal only what you need: Excessive greed draws unwanted attention.
Never harm the innocent: The Rats' petty crimes never target those as downtrodden as themselves.
Faction Rules
Respect Kimira and Darius: Disobedience to their leadership is met with swift correction.
No major crimes: Acts like arson, murder, or large-scale theft jeopardize the entire group.
Enforcement
Rule-breaking is met with communal judgment. Minor infractions result in temporary duties or scolding, while major offenses risk expulsion.
Membership is open to orphans, outcasts, and anyone with nowhere else to turn. New recruits undergo a period of initiation, during which they prove their loyalty and usefulness to the group.
Common skills among The Rats include:
Stealth and pickpocketing
Basic survival tactics (e.g., scavenging, foraging)
Street smarts and the ability to talk their way out of trouble
Members are expected to show unwavering loyalty to the group. Acts of betrayal or abandonment are considered the gravest offenses. The Rats hold regular gatherings to reinforce their shared bonds and celebrate their small victories.
Members benefit from the group's shared resources—food, shelter, and protection. Additionally, they gain a sense of belonging and purpose in a world that has largely forgotten them.
Kimira, the Den Mother: The leader and ultimate authority within The Rats. She ensures the group's survival and enforces its rules.
Darius the Shade: Second-in-command, responsible for scouting, gathering intelligence, and leading smaller operations.
The Inner Circle: A handful of the oldest and most capable Rats, who serve as advisors and mentors to the younger members.
The Fledglings: The newer and younger recruits, who perform basic tasks while learning the ways of the group.
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